Tunis, Tunisia
13-16 May 2024
The ongoing efforts of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa «COMESA» Member States to implement the Free Trade Area (FTA) and eliminate Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to facilitate smoother trade flow and increase intra-regional trade were presented during the first workshop organized last month in Tunis. Key milestones achieved since the adoption of regulations in 2014, including capacity building activities, establishment of NTBs structures, and tools for reporting NTBs were also outlined.
Technical support from the COMESA Secretariat aims to support Member States in implementing these programs, the first capacity building workshop held in Tunisia was dedicated to Tunisia as hosting country of COMESA meetings and workshops. It focused on enhancing the efficiency of National Focal Points (NFPs) responsible for NTBs elimination programs. The workshop also provided an overview of COMESA’s regional integration agenda and trade facilitation instruments.
Discussions during the workshop covered various topics including the COMESA FTA, trade facilitation instruments, NTBs regulations, and training on reporting, monitoring, and eliminating NTBs. Practical exercises were conducted, and a Tunisia National NTBs Work Program was developed.
The main objectives of the workshop were to raise awareness among Tunisia relevant authorities and operators about trading opportunities within the COMESA FTA, provide training on managing NTBs, support Tunisia’s National NTBs Monitoring Committee (NMC) in developing a national NTB Work Plan, and explore the roles of the private sector in supporting NTB-related work.
Challenges in implementation such as high business costs, limited value addition, and inadequate infrastructure were discussed, along with efforts to qualify for financial support and Tunisia’s participation in regional integration activities.
Presentations were made on COMESA Rules of Origin, trade facilitation instruments, and NTBs regulations, including challenges faced and plans for improvement. Discussions emphasized the need for harmonization of electronic certificates of origin systems for various regional trade agreements to avoid operational challenges.
Overall, the workshop aimed to enhance Tunisia’s participation in regional integration efforts within COMESA by providing a platform for discussions on trade opportunities, challenges, and strategies. Recommendations were made for continued capacity building, awareness creation, and strengthening connectivity between Member States.
Next to come: COMESA meeting on investments organized by RIA (regional investments agency) within COMESA to be held in June 27th, 2024, in Tunis to promote and support the investments within the common market.
